NEWS
Stay completely up-to-date by regularly visiting The Orchard's Calendar of Events at: www.theorchardfranklin.com
Come join us for Dinner and a Movie complete with Sub Sandwich and Ice Cream Bars and "Charlotte's Web" this Saturday, August 29 at 5:00 p.m. at the Orchard Ministry Center.
Shoes for Orphan Souls: It's hard for most of us to imagine how a new pair of shoes can make such and impact. But for children living in desperate circumstances, this simple act of kindness is life changing. When caring strangers visit an orphanage to deliver new shoes and sock, it can brighten the darkest day. For the first time, children aren't just hearing about God's love - they're seeing it in action. And thay can change souls for eternity.
For several years we have helped to support Shoes for Orphan Souls in conjunction with Dave and Marilyn Knight's car wash drive and we want to do that again. You are asked to bring new children's shoes and/or socks to church on August 30 to help make a difference in children's soles and souls.
Volunteers needed to clean the church for the months of September - December. We ask that each family or group sign up for one month. A list of what needs to be cleaned and all the cleaning products are supplied. If you would be willing to clean any of the open months, please contact Pastor Anita ASAP.
Attention Children: On Sunday August 30 we will be opening the Ticket Store. Don't forget to bring your tickets to "buy" all kinds of fun things.
Our 1st Sunday Potluck for September will be a 2nd Sunday Poltuck due to the fact that The Orchard's Birthday is the second Sunday of September and we want to celebrate around tables together that day. Please note that we will not have a potluck on Sept. 6 but will have it on Sept.13 in hope that the whole church family will plan to join us.
The second Men's Fraternity series, "Winning a Work and Home" will launch on Saturday, September 19th at 7:00 AM.
Winning at Work and Home, a 16-session study that focuses on the two areas that are central to a man's life: career and family. It will begin to build the walls of manhood through study dealing with a man's chief responsibilities. It explores how a man can enjoy and engage his work and how he can relate to a woman in a whole new way. Regardless of where you find yourself on the timeline of life, this series will add value to the journey you are on.
We will be meeeting on the 1st and 3rd Saturday morning of each month (with a few exceptions - for example, Sep. 3rd due the the Women's Conference). Participant workbooks are $10 per person. Please let Chris Suitter know NO LATER than September 1st if you'd like a workbook. We will place an order the first week of September and collect your $10 at the first session on the 19th. If money is a concern please see Chris.
Ladies - make plans for a new Bible Study opportunity. One in a Million - a Bible Study written by Priscilla Shirer in exploration of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. Join us as we are encouraged to fully engage in the abundant life that God has waiting for those who will allow Him to take the lead in daily living. This is an opportunity to experience deliverance from strongholds, to conquer your wilderness living and to claim your God-given inheritance. One in a Million is a 7 week study beginning on September 23 and ending on November 4. If you plan to participate, please pick up a One in a Million member book at Lifeway prior to the first class. The cost of the book is $11.95 If the book cost is prohibitive, please see Pastor Anita.
Ladies, please don't forget that we are in need of volunteers in preparation for the Women's Conference in October. If you would be willing to serve in the set-up/clean-up of refreshment and breakfast, telemarketing, poster and flyer distribution, welcome/greeting or post conference clean-up, please email Pastor Anita to volunteer.
We have been blessed with more visitors and hope that will increase even more as we move into fall. Would you please leave the front parking spaces for our guests, those with small children and those who might need assistance. Parking is available in the back lot, the Post Office and the Oil Stop.
Make plans to attend Acts 2:42 as we continue the study entitled "God Will Make a Way".
The Ladies Prayer Group meets Wednesday at 9:15 a.m and the Men's Prayer Group meets Thursday at 6:30 a.m. at The Orchard Ministry Center.
Mark your calendars for the following events:
Aug 29 - Dinner & a Movie
Aug 30 - Shoes for Orphan Souls
Aug 30 - Children's Ticket Store
Sep 2 - Women's Prayer Time
Sep 3- Men's Prayer Time
Sep 23 - Ladies Bible Study Begins
Oct 2-3 - Women's Conference
Click Here...
for a full Calendar of Events |
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August 29-September 4, 2009
One Little Lonely Leaf
“And not one sparrow will fall to the
ground apart from your Father…
you are of more value than many sparrows”
~
Matthew 10:29, 31 ~
Last Saturday morning was a fall like morning – the air was fresh and the breeze was cool. I was rocking on the front porch at daybreak when a leaf caught my eye, one little lonely leaf lying perfectly still at the foot of my chair. Just the sight of this delicate fragment of nature evoked wonder in my heart. I began to think about how much God values small and seemingly insignificant things in a world that emphasizes the BIG!
God sees even the sparrows often thought of as the smallest of creatures. Not a single one falls from the sky without God paying attention. How much more does God know and care about us who are created in His image (Genesis 1:27)? In spite of God’s eye for us, we sometimes feel so insignificant. The Psalmist once said in his time of affliction that “I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop” (102:7). One writer says, “Loneliness is the feeling that God has gone and has taken everyone who mattered with Him.” Jesus once reassured His disciples who were feeling lonely, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
During times of aching loneliness in my life, I try and remember that small word “always.” No matter how small you feel, will you take Jesus at His word? Take a moment and pause right where you are. Breathe deeply and pray, “Jesus, thank you for being with me right here, right now, in just the right way.” Often we rehearse our loneliness and allow it to build an emotional wall between us and God. It doesn’t have to be this way. God wants our loneliness to cause us to lift the eyes of our heart in His direction. He wants our aloneness to be the door to greater companionship with Him. Don’t back away from Him, come closer. He wants to swallow up your loneliness with His love.
Fall is quickly approaching. Every time you see a leaf, remember how much more God sees you. Every time you see a little bird, remember how much more God sees you. Every time you feel lonely remember “always.”
For Greater Companionship with the Savior,
Weekly Financial Report
Weekly Need $4,829
Last Week's Giving $3,721 (Tithe $3,621/Faith Prom. $100)
Over/Under -$1,108
YTD Actual Weekly Giving Average $5,672
YTD Weekly Average Over/Under $843
YTD Total Over/Under $28,645
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